Zakk Wylde to Release ‘Book of Shadows II’ in 2016

To coincide with the 20th anniversary of Book of Shadows, it's been revealed that Zakk Wylde will release Book of Shadows Volume II sometime next year. His wife and co-manager, Barbaranne, confirmed the news during a recent interview with Examiner.com. She told the outlet that Wylde will begin working on the new solo effort after the completion of Black Label Society’s Unblackened2015 spring tour dates and that he will tour in support of the disc once it's released.

“We are excited to announce that Zakk is entering the studio after this Unblackened Spring 2015 tour to record BOSII [Book of Shadows Volume II] which will be released early 2016, the 20th Anniversary of the original BOS, followed by a world tour to support that side of Zakk's music,” said Barbaranne. The original Book of Shadows was the debut solo album for the heavy metal guitarist and was released in 1996. The effort showed a different side to Wylde’s playing in comparison to his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society.

Wylde will certainly be busy during the next few months. He recently unveiled his own line of audio gear called Wylde Audio. In January, he spoke to Loudwire about his decision to launch his own line of equipment. “It was just a natural progression. If I played baseball and then coached for the Yankees and did really well at it, my next logical step would be to be a team owner. That’s kind of how it is with me right now. I played with the best, from Marshall to Gibson to lots of other things I’ve endorsed — everything that all of my heroes played. So I’ve played and learned from the best.”

Barbaranne also touched on Wylde Audio and Zakk’s other ventures, during the interview. “We look forward to the evolution of Wylde Audio and further development and launch of products from our Rock 'n' Roll lifestyle brand of leather garments, shoes and accessories, Black n'Skull,” she said. “Zakk and I have a joint foundation for St. Jude's Children's Hospital and that we hope to do more aggressive fund raising in the next year as well.”

Wylde will be touring with Black Label Society from April 3 when they play in Huntington, N.Y., until April 19 when they wrap things up in Anaheim, California. Then presumably he’ll start work on Book of Shadows II.